West Ham lost 2-0 at home to City but bounced back with a 1-0 win over Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday.

Bellamy started the game up front with Bobby Zamora and won the penalty that Mark Noble converted on 70 minutes.

The victory lifted the Hammers out of the bottom three.

Despite the welcome three points, Curbishley accepted speculation over his future or that of any Premier League manager would be inevitable if the club was lingering near the bottom of the table by September.

"It is the life we lead," said the former Charlton boss. "We know it is around the corner.

"If your side is in the bottom six after the first month or two then it is something people can get their teeth into."